In a stunning development that is sure to shake up the college football landscape, Liberty quarterback Kaidon Salter announced Monday his plans to enter the transfer portal ahead of the 2025 season. The electric dual-threat star is coming off a record-setting 2023 campaign in which he accounted for 66 total touchdowns en route to being named Conference USA MVP while leading the Flames to a 13-1 record and Fiesta Bowl appearance.
Salter’s decision comes on the heels of a somewhat disappointing 8-3 season for Liberty in 2024, a year in which they entered with College Football Playoff aspirations. While his production dipped slightly, the Texas native still put up impressive numbers with 1,886 passing yards, 15 touchdowns through the air, and another 579 yards and 7 scores on the ground.
Salter’s Brilliant 2023 Season
It was just a year ago that Kaidon Salter took the college football world by storm with a 2023 season for the ages. Operating head coach Jamey Chadwell’s spread option attack to perfection, Salter put up video game numbers:
- School-record 32 passing touchdowns
- 1,676 rushing yards – 2nd most among FBS QBs
- 66 total touchdowns accounted for
- Led Liberty to first 13-win season in school history
- Earned C-USA MVP & Offensive Player of the Year honors
Salter’s heroics helped propel the Flames to an undefeated regular season, a C-USA title in their first year in the league, and a final ranking of No. 25 in the AP poll. NFL scouts began to take notice of his unique skill set.
Potential Landing Spots
With Salter’s intentions to transfer now public, speculation will run rampant as to where the coveted signal-caller could end up. Several high-profile programs looking for an injection of talent and experience at the quarterback position are sure to come calling.
According to sources close to the situation, a few of the schools that could make sense include:
- Texas A&M – Salter’s home state school is an intriguing option
- Auburn – Salter briefly played for Hugh Freeze, who is now leading the Tigers
- Oklahoma – The Sooners have a proud history of dynamic QBs that Salter could add to
- Oregon – An offense suited to Salter’s dual-threat abilities and a chance to shine on the national stage
Whichever school ultimately lands Kaidon Salter will be getting a proven commodity and one of the most electrifying playmakers in college football. If he can recapture his 2023 form, his final season could be something truly special.
A Surprising Decision
Salter’s move to transfer comes as a surprise to many around the Liberty program. After briefly entering the portal following the 2023 season, he withdrew his name and seemed fully committed to leading the Flames in 2024 and beyond.
“As I move forward and enter the transfer portal, I will always cherish the memories and invaluable lessons learned here. It is time for me to take the next step in my journey and do what I feel is best for my career.”
– Kaidon Salter announces transfer intentions
Also entering the portal from Liberty are two key cogs on the offensive line in guard Jordan White and tackle Xavior Gray. Their departures, coupled with Salter’s exit, represent significant talent losses for a program that had its sights set on crashing the CFP party this year.
As the Kaidon Salter sweepstakes begins, one thing is for certain – the college football world will be watching with bated breath to see where this unique talent takes his talents next. Buckle up, because the 2025 season just got a whole lot more interesting.
